C’mon C’mon Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A radio dude kidnaps his nephew and forces him to listen to interviews with children across America, all while dodging questions about his complicated family history.

🍿 C’mon C’mon: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Johnny’s Project and Viv’s Dilemma

Johnny, a radio journalist, travels across the US interviewing children about their thoughts and feelings on the world. He’s contacted by his sister, Viv, who needs help caring for her nine-year-old son, Jesse, while she attends to her mentally ill ex-husband, Paul. Johnny reluctantly agrees, setting the stage for an unexpected journey.

An Unlikely Bond Forms

Johnny and Jesse, initially strangers, begin to navigate their unfamiliar dynamic. Jesse, a quirky and imaginative child, presents Johnny with unique challenges. As they spend time together, a bond slowly develops, marked by both heartwarming moments and frustrating disagreements. Their conversations are insightful and thought-provoking, exploring themes of childhood, adulthood, and family.

Cross-Country Travels and Growing Pains

Johnny takes Jesse with him on his work travels, moving from Los Angeles to New York City and New Orleans. These travels expose Jesse to different environments and experiences. Both Johnny and Jesse grow from their time together, each learning valuable lessons about life, love, and responsibility. Their journey underscores the complexities of family and the power of connection.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix): A radio journalist who is emotionally reserved, learning to connect while caring for his young nephew.
• Jesse (Woody Norman): A bright and energetic young boy who develops a close bond with his uncle while his mother is away.
• Viv (Gaby Hoffmann): Johnny’s sister and Jesse’s mother, balancing her responsibilities while dealing with her ex-husband’s mental health.
• Paul (Scoot McNairy): Jesse’s father and Viv’s ex-husband, battling with his mental health, requiring Viv’s support.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Johnny: “To visit planet Earth, you will have to be born as a human child.” – Johnny reads from a book, reflecting on the experience of being a child and encountering the world for the first time.
• Johnny: “In your confusion and delight, you will forget where you came from.” – Continuing from the earlier quote, Johnny delves into the complexities of growing up and finding one’s place in the world.
• Jesse: “Why do you sound sad when you talk?” – Jesse directly confronts Johnny about his emotional state, revealing Jesse’s acute perception and emotional intelligence.
• Johnny: “It’s okay to have complicated feelings about things.” – Johnny comforts Jesse, acknowledging the complexities of emotions and validating Jesse’s experience.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,300,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,863,674
• Worldwide Gross: $4,499,395

💥 C’mon C’mon Reviews

Personal Review

I really loved C’mon C’mon. As someone who’s also struggled to connect with family, I found Johnny’s journey incredibly relatable. The scene where he reads Jesse the bedtime story about dealing with emotions hit me hard. It made me think about the importance of being present and listening, especially to the younger generation. This film is now one of my favorites because of its honesty and simplicity.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in films about family dynamics”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “People looking for thought-provoking cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief discussions of mental health issues”
  • “Occasional strong language”
  • “Some thematic elements that may be emotionally challenging”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “C’mon C’mon is a beautifully observed and deeply moving film about connection and communication. Phoenix delivers a subtly powerful performance as a man learning to open his heart, while Norman shines as the precocious nephew. The black and white cinematography adds to the film’s timeless quality.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Mike Mills crafts an intimate and affecting portrait of family with C’mon C’mon. Joaquin Phoenix’s performance is nuanced and tender, complemented perfectly by Woody Norman’s remarkable turn as Jesse. The film’s documentary-style interviews add a unique layer to the narrative.
• Screen Daily: “A gentle and insightful film, C’mon C’mon explores the complexities of family relationships with sensitivity and grace. The performances are uniformly excellent, and the film’s black and white visuals create a contemplative atmosphere. It’s a touching and thought-provoking experience.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were moved by the heartwarming relationship between Johnny and Jesse.: The film’s genuine portrayal of family dynamics resonated deeply with audiences.

Many praised Woody Norman’s outstanding performance as Jesse.: Audiences felt the young actor’s talent brought authenticity and charm to the film.

Overall Consensus: C’mon C’mon is a tender and introspective film praised for its heartfelt performances, nuanced exploration of family dynamics, and beautiful black and white cinematography.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is shot entirely in black and white, which director Mike Mills felt gave it a timeless quality and focused attention on the characters’ emotions.”
• “Woody Norman, who plays Jesse, is British and had to maintain an American accent throughout filming.”
• “Many of the interviews with children featured in the film are real, unscripted responses, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative.”
• “Mike Mills drew inspiration from his own experiences as a parent and his documentary work with children to create the story.”

🖥️ How to Watch C’mon C’mon?

C’mon C’mon is currently available for streaming on demand through various platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. You can rent or purchase the movie on these platforms. Check your local cable provider for on-demand options as well. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD may also be available from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed C’mon C’mon, you might like these similar films:

• Beginners (2010): Also directed by Mike Mills, explores family dynamics and emotional growth with a similar sensitive and introspective approach.
• Manchester by the Sea (2016): Deals with themes of grief, responsibility, and the unexpected challenges of caring for a child after tragedy.
• Paterson (2016): Showcases the beauty of everyday life through the eyes of a thoughtful observer, similar to Johnny’s journey of discovery.
• Aftersun (2022): Features a father-daughter relationship and reflects on childhood memories and the complexities of love and connection.

🛒 C’mon C’mon Related Products

• C’mon C’mon [Blu-ray]: Own the stunning black and white cinematography in high definition. The Blu-ray includes bonus features like behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and director.
• Joaquin Phoenix: A Career Retrospective: A comprehensive look at Joaquin Phoenix’s diverse and acclaimed career. Includes analysis of his roles, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories.
• Children’s Book Collection: Stories About Emotions: A curated collection of children’s books that explore themes of emotions, empathy, and understanding. These books mirror the topics discussed in the film and can help parents and children connect on a deeper level.
• Portable Digital Audio Recorder: High-quality portable audio recorder for capturing clear sound, similar to the equipment used by Johnny in the movie for his interviews. Ideal for aspiring journalists, podcasters, or anyone interested in audio storytelling.

🎧 Soundtrack

C’mon C’mon features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Evening Breeze” – performed by Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Harder They Fall reviewed by Mark Kermode

Want to know if ‘The Harder They Fall’ is worth your time? Mark Kermode, a well-known film critic, gives you the lowdown in this review, and he doesn’t hold back! He’ll help you decide if this movie is your cup of tea.

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